According to what I am getting out of reading the following copy-paste from the ARRL web site: the changes to 160 meters are a benefit to the amateur radio service. Am I not comprehending this correctly? From the way I read it we amateurs are getting 1800 to 2000 kc exclusively, now. Where as previously, 1900 to 2000 kc were a secondary (non-interference ) basis where the radio-locations "shared" that part of the band with the amateur radio service. It reads as if the rls has abandoned the 1900-2000 kc segment. Likely, IMO- due to satellite technology primarilly being used - via GPS.
Any thoughts would be appreciated... Especially if I'm misunderstanding any implications of the proposal.
I think you understand the point correctly. Click on the above links to the FCC site. The original FCC Notice can be viewed at
http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/comment/view?id=6017137896Scroll down to paragraph 20 on page 11.
Of course this is now a
proposal and nothing is set in stone; no guarantee the FCC will act on it exactly as proposed. We have yet to see if Radiolocation interests file comments in opposition, even though they are not using the segment right now. They might still want to hold onto the spectrum allocation. That's why amateurs should file comments in support of the Commission's proposal, giving any good reason you can think of to justify the change as something in the public interest.
It's not very often that the FCC takes the initiative to give something of benefit to the amateur community without our first having to petition for it. We need to show our support and appreciation for their action in this matter.
Don